Promoting Bamboos Planting in Wetlands Conservation and Managementby | 06-02-2015 04:18 |
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  The management and conservation of local ecosystems such Wetlands present enormous challenges in many parts of the developing countries. This week we joined the world in commemorating the World's Wetlands Day which is celebrated every 2nd of February throughout the world. A research study conducted by (Macharia and Thenya , 2007.) noted challenges hindering effective sustainable management of wetlands to be poor governance unsustainable use of natural resources by different ethnic groups poverty and inability to diversify resources traditions and neglect of traditional ecological knowledge .Poverty is compounded by lack of awareness on the values and services offered by the natural environments. One of the solutions to address unsustainable resource management is to empower local communities on ecosystems services and values through education for sustainable development. Promotion of Bamboo planting in wetlands areas is seen as ideal measure in controlling the soil erosion along the swamp edges at the same time help alleviate poverty . It is documented that no other woody plant matches bamboo's versatility in environmental conservation and commerce to societies living near wetlands ecosystems and their associated riparian catchments areas throughout the world. Bamboo is a viable replacement for both hardwoods and softwoods. Its growth rate is three times that of eucalyptus, and it matures in just three years. Thereafter harvests are possible every second year for up to 120 years. However, bamboo remains an untapped especially here in Kenya, most parts of Africa. Research documents that bamboo absorbs water faster than most plants and is used in some parts of the world its promoted for cleaning sewage, more important - it soaks up heavy metals. It is a potential answer to polluted waters. It is nature's fastest growing woody plant, with some species achieving the phenomenal growth rate of one metre a day! Its culms (poles) are the strongest, lightest natural material known to humankind. A square metre of flooring derived from this wonder plant will sell for as much as US$ 100. In some places some bamboo shoots varieties are used for food. The effects of climate change pose a threat on the economic, social and environmental development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. These problems are a reflection of a crisis of the mind that cannot be resolved by law alone. There is need to integrate a holistic approach toward the problem, a change from within in so far as attitudes towards the environment is concerned. This can be achieved through education for sustainable development. Agenda 21 and education for sustainable development recognizes the central role of education in shaping values and social action, and views environmental education as a socially transformative continuous learning process based on respect for all life. There is need to offer more practical solutions that can help address environmental challenges at the same time create employment opportunities. |
